Titanium Fasteners vs. Inconel Fasteners

Titanium Fasteners vs. Inconel Fasteners: A Detailed Comparison

Titanium Fasteners vs. Inconel Fasteners: A Detailed Comparison

The proper use of the right fasteners is important in challenging jobs. Whether an aircraft engine, a chemical processing facility, or equipment buried beneath the ocean fasteners hold it all together. If one fails, the entire system could potentially be at risk. Due to this, the material you select has a significant impact.

Two excellent options are Inconel and titanium fasteners. Both of them are robust, heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant. However, they differ from one another and each performs better under specific conditions.

This blog will compare them side by side. You’ll learn how they perform, where they’re used, and what they cost. If you’re deciding between the two, this guide can help.

Understanding Titanium Fasteners

What are Titanium Fasteners?

Titanium fasteners are parts like bolts, nuts, washers, and screws made from titanium. They are either alloys (like Grade 5), or pure titanium (like Grade 2). These are widely used in industries where corrosion resistance, strength, and weight are important considerations.

Key Properties of Titanium Fasteners

Among the main characteristics of titanium fasteners are:

High ratio of strength to weight: Although they weigh about 40% less than steel, they are just as strong.

  • Excellent corrosion resistance: Great in seawater, salt spray, and harsh chemicals.
  • Non-magnetic and biocompatible: Safe for use in medical implants and devices.
  • Good heat resistance: They work well up to around 600°C (1,100°F), depending on the grade.

Titanium Fasteners are often picked for jobs where weight savings and corrosion resistance are top priorities.

Understanding Inconel Fasteners

What are Inconel Fasteners?

Inconel fasteners are made from nickel-chromium alloys like Inconel 600, 625, or 718. These are superalloys. They’re built to survive in the harshest settings—heat, pressure, and chemicals.

Key Properties of Inconel Fasteners

Inconel fasteners are built for extremes:

  • Top-level corrosion resistance: Especially in acidic and high-temperature environments.
  • High strength at high heat:  Many grades maintain their strength at temperatures above 1,000°C (1,800°F).
  • Performs under pressure: Perfect for gas turbines, deep-sea equipment and reactors.

Where most other metals breakdown, Inconel continues to exist. It is designed to push the boundaries of what it is perfect for.

Comparison Chart: Titanium Fasteners vs. Inconel Fasteners

Density and Weight

Titanium Fasteners: Lightweight (4.5 g/cm³), great for saving weight in aerospace and marine uses.

Inconel Fasteners: Heavier (8.4 g/cm³), built for strength and durability.

Tensile Strength

Titanium Fasteners: Strong at about 950 MPa, good for most structural needs.

Inconel Fasteners: Even stronger, up to 1,300 MPa, ideal for high-stress jobs.

Temperature Range

Titanium Fasteners: Works well up to 600°C.

Inconel Fasteners: Handles extreme heat up to 1,100°C.

Corrosion Resistance

Titanium Fasteners: Excellent in seawater and marine environments.

Inconel Fasteners: Great in acids and harsh chemicals.

 Magnetic Properties

Titanium Fasteners: Non-magnetic, good for sensitive equipment.

Inconel Fasteners: Slightly magnetic, varies by grade.

Cost per Unit

Titanium Fasteners: Moderate to high cost.

Inconel Fasteners: High to very high cost.

Common Uses

Titanium fasteners: Medical implants, marine, and aerospace.

Inconel fasteners: They are used in oil and gas, power plants, and aircraft engines.

When corrosion resistance, and weight are important considerations, titanium fasteners are excellent. Extreme heat and stress conditions are ideal for Inconel Fasteners.

Applications in Industry

Where are Titanium Fasteners Used?

Titanium fasteners are used where corrosion is a problem and saving weight helps.

Aerospace: Airframes, jet engine parts

Marine: Boats, submarines, offshore rigs

Medical: Surgical implants, tools, dental equipment

Chemical plants: Acid tanks, piping systems

They’re reliable, light, and don’t rust. That makes them a top pick in these fields.

Where are Inconel Fasteners Used?

Inconel is chosen for the harshest work. It stands up to high heat, pressure, and chemicals.

Power plants: Turbines, heat exchangers, reactors

Oil and gas: Subsea valves, risers, drilling tools

Chemical processing: High-pressure lines, acid tanks

Aerospace: Jet engine exhaust systems

Inconel fasteners last where others fail. That’s why they’re used in mission-critical gear.

Cost Considerations and Availability

Titanium fasteners cost less than Inconel, but they’re still not cheap. They offer a solid deal when you don’t need extreme heat resistance. Plus, titanium is easier to machine and install.

Inconel is costly and  more difficult to handle. But it’s usually the only option for chemical or high-heat work. It’s worth the cost if failure isn’t an option.

Availability varies by grade and by region. Titanium Fasteners tend to be readily available in regular sizes. Inconel may required special order orelse it will take time .

Choosing the Right Fastener for Your Project.

  • Temperature: Use Inconel if the temperature is higher than 600°C.
  • Corrosion: Both are robust against corrosion, but titanium performed better in saltwater. Inconel is better at handling acids.
  • Load: Inconel has higher strength at high temps.
  • Budget: Titanium is less expensive.
  • Certifications: Certain grades are needed for specific jobs. Check for codes such as NORSOK or ASME.

Not sure? Contact a supplier or material specialist. They will assist in selecting the correct fastener for the job.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Titanium vs. Inconel Fasteners

Both Inconel, and titanium fasteners are designed to withstand demanding applications. However, they are designed for different challenges.

Titanium is lightweight, robust, and resistant to corrosion. When rust and weight are important considerations, it’s a wise decision. Inconel is heavier and pricier but survives extreme heat and pressure.

Pick based on what the job demands. Use this guide as a starting point. When in doubt, ask the experts. Choosing the right fastener can save time, money, and lives.

Benefits of Stainless Steel Pipe Fittings (4)

Different Types of Stainless Steel Fasteners

What are the Stainless Steel Fasteners?

The steel alloy, commonly known as Inox steel, is used to create stainless steel fasteners and must have a minimum of 10.5 percent chromium. Stainless Steel Fasteners come in more than 150 distinct grades and surface treatments. It is important to use those that are designed for the application and environment in which they will be utilized. However, 304 stainless fasteners (commercial grade) and 316 stainless fasteners are the two most commonly used types (marine grade). Many people see type 304 type 18-8 and type A2 as substantially identical materials and frequently use them interchangeably because they want to keep things simple.

Different Types of Stainless Steel Fasteners

When fasteners are scratched during installation or use, their corrosion resistance is not compromised. In the market, the following kind of strong, dependable can be easily discovered.

The first type is Grade 18-8, often known as stainless steel from the 300 series, it contains about 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel. The 18-8 series consists of fasteners composed of grade variables with comparable chemical compositions, such as 302, 303, 304, 384, XM7, etc. The 18-8 series has a number of admirable qualities, including being non-magnetic, and only being toughened by cold working. And has better corrosion resistance than the 400 series.

The second most common, Grade 304 (18-8), contains a minimum of 18% chromium, an average of 8% nickel, and a maximum of 0.8% carbon. This type of fastener can withstand typical corrosion as well as the majority of oxidizing acids. Because it is resistant to food, inorganic chemicals, and the majority of organic chemicals, Grade 304 Fasteners are perfect for use in sinks, table tops, urns, stoves, and other appliances. These fasteners are also employed in the brewing and food processing sectors.

Grade 316 fasteners are known to be reluctant to harsh settings. While the nickel level is raised, the carbon content is maintained at 0.8%. These fasteners are austenitic, non-magnetic, and can only be toughened through cold working. The distinction between Grade 304 and Grade 316 is the presence of molybdenum up to a maximum of 3%. This type of fastener can tolerate exposure to sodium, phosphoric acid, acid, hypochlorite solutions, calcium brines, and sulfite liquors. They are frequently used in textile, chemical processing, marine, and other industries.

Features and Applications of Stainless Steel fasteners

Some highly commendable qualities of Stainless Steel fasteners include their resistance to corrosion. Its self-healing ability is made possible by the tiny coating of chromium oxide on the outer layer.

Another fascinating characteristic of stainless is its lengthy lifespan. Extreme heat and water are both suitable environments for using this material.

They are commonly used in components that are exposed to corrosive conditions like chemicals, seawater, and other substances. Sanitary appliances, objects that must be extremely strong and stable, and components that experience a lot of heat and stress.

Stainless Steel 310S Fasteners

Types of 310S Fasteners

Stainless steel 310 grade is a carbon-containing austenitic stainless steel. Besides carbon, the material consists of another element such as Chromium and Nickel. These two elements make fasteners highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation processes. Various types of 310S fasteners can work in an environment containing the presence of reducing agents such as hydrogen, sulphur, etc. Also, 310S fasteners can work efficiently in stress cracking and corrosive environment. 310S fasteners also show likeliness to serve well in high-temperature conditions such as furnace operations, heat treatment parts, and condensers.

There are various types of 310S Fasteners, and that includes the following:

Stainless Steel 310S Bolts 

These are multiple types of 310S Fasteners, and Stainless Steel 310S Bolts is one among them. The product length ranges from 3mm to 200mm. The product size varies from a few inches to 2 inches and also undergoes customization. These bolts contain various carbon, manganese, silicon, sulfur, and phosphorous elements along with a combination of chromium and nickel. The product shows good yield and tensile strength.

Stainless Steel 310S Hex Nuts 

These types of fasteners are useful in heavy load carrying applications. The product has good hardness and available in various dimensions, types, and lengths. These Stainless Steel 310S Hex Nuts holds high strength dur to the defined composition of carbon.

Stainless Steel 310 / 310S Washers

These are the products obtained by adding various elements such as molybdenum, chromium, nickel and boron. These elements allow washers to work at high-temperature range and hardness. Besides, these stainless steel 310/310S washers are durable with mechanical strength.

Stainless Steel 310 / 310S Screws

These products are capable of working in reducing sulphur containing conditions. Besides these, fasteners offer corrosion resistance and stress cracking ability. Such features allow these screws to work in furnace parts and high temperature requiring conditions.

Stainless Steel 310 / 310S Stud Bolt

These are the products with higher oxidation resistance and corrosion as well. Stud bolts quickly braked into various components and useful for the industries, architecture, and transportation. These SS 310/310S stud bolts are sound infiltration systems and troughs as well. Here, 310 stainless steel stud bolts are available in various sizes and support processing due to its outstanding welding capacity. Here, these stud bolts are free from post-annealing procedures. It does not require significant maintenance and easily cleaned.

Stainless Steel Fasteners

Different Grades of Stainless Steel Fasteners Explained

For improved corrosion characteristics, stainless steel is an alloy of low carbon steel and chromium. Stainless steel is for the price, highly corrosion resistant. As the anti-corrosive properties of the metal are intrinsic, if scratched during installation or use, it will not lose this resistance.

That stainless steel is stronger than standard steel is a common misconception. Many stainless steel alloys cannot be hardened by heat treatment due to their low carbon content. Therefore the stainless alloys used in bolts are marginally stronger than un-hardened steel relative to ordinary steel but considerably weaker than hardened steel fasteners. Stainless fasteners are prone to seizing up during installation, a condition known as galling unless great care is taken. While some grades are slightly magnetic, most stainless steel fasteners are much less magnetic than standard steel fasteners.

What are the different grades of Stainless Steel Fasteners?

 18-8 Stainless Steel Fastener

304-grade stainless steel, which is the most commonly used and versatile austenitic type of stainless steel, is 18/8 stainless steel. The 18/8 numbers reflect the 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel composition of this steel, making it very resistant to corrosion and oxidation. 18/8 stainless steel is also very durable and can easily be made. It is quick to clean the metal and it is available in several appearances and finishes.

Stainless Steel 316 Fastener

The 316 grade is a molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel that contains 8% nickel, 18% chromium, and 2-3% molybdenum. The higher nickel and molybdenum content enables this grade to display better overall corrosion resistant properties which are particularly true in chloride environments in pitting and crevice corrosion. Moreover, Alloy 316 offers outstanding strengths of high temperature tensile and stress rupture, as well as outstanding weldability. Like 316 stainless steel screws, 316 stainless steel washers, and 316 stainless steel nuts, Fastener Solutions offers this alloy grade.

 Stainless Steel 410 Fastener

SS 410 Fasteners are used where the ideal stiffness, air or furnace cooling is tempered. Furthermore, the tempering of our Alloy 410 Fasteners in the 750 Degree F-1050 Degree F range results in reduced impact strength and slightly decreased corrosion resistance. For petroleum fractionating systems, bolts, screws, bushings and nuts, shafts, pumps and valves, gas turbines, mine ladder rungs, and so on, these Grade 410 fasteners are also used.

In both the annealed and hardened settings, our Type 410 Fasteners are magnetic and are typically used for applications involving mild corrosion, high strength, and heat resistance. Slow regulated cooling from 1500 degrees F / 1600 degrees F for solution annealing and heat to 1700 degrees F / 1850 degrees F for hardening of AISI 410 fasteners, after quenching in air or oil. By all standard methods, the 410 Stainless Steel Fasteners are readily welded, where post-weld annealing is recommended to ensure optimum ductility.

Stainless Steel Fasteners

What Are the Varying Grades of Stainless Steel Fasteners?

Stainless steel is a low carbon steel and chromium content but offers high corrosion resistance. Stainless steel, because of its stability, strength and anti-corrosive and high heat properties, is one of the most popular materials used for fasteners. A flexible, economical alloy benefits from the combination of steel strength with its superior anti-corrosion and heat-resistance properties.

You will find the following types while looking for robust and effective grades of stainless steel fasteners in the market.

Grade 18-8

The Stainless Steel 18-8 grade is also referred to as 304 SS for their chemical composition is same in both 18-8 & 304 Stainless Steel. As the name suggests, the grade 18-8 consists of 18% chromium, and 8% nickel which makes it an excellent resistance to corrosion. When it comes to 304 grade, it is splitted into two grades, which are 304L and 304H depending upon their carbon content. Again as the name denotes, 304H is high carbon grade and 304L is a low carbon grade. The Stainless Steel 304 or 18-8 stainless steel has high corrosion resistance, is stronger than mild steels and has less heat sensitivity than 302 grade.

Grade 316

 The composition of the alloy is one of the reasons that the Type 316 Stainless Steel Fasteners have stronger mechanical and physical properties. Stainless Steel Fasteners Grade 316 are intended for applications under harsh environmental conditions. These industries therefore need better protection and an improved resistance to corrosion provided by the stainless steel series of 300 grades.

Grade 304 (18-8)

Grade 304 possesses an excellent combination of corrosion resistance, strength and fabricability. Stainless Steel Fasteners of this grade are being extensively used in almost every industry today.

Grade 304 is suitable for use in sinks, table tops, urns, stoves and various appliances because of its tolerance to food, inorganic chemicals and most organic chemicals. In the brewing and food processing industries, fasteners of this type are also used.

We provide top quality Stainless Steel and marine grade fasteners in the world of steel. Our 18-8, 304 or 316 grade stainless steel fasteners offer exceptional durability and best quality. We hope this article was helpful to you to understand the different grades of Stainless Steel fasteners.

Stainless Steel Fasteners

Different Grades of Stainless Steel Fasteners

In this day and age, one of the most common materials from which fasteners are made is stainless steel. ASTM A193 Stainless Steel Fasteners are extremely ubiquitous these days. However, most people who use them are usually not familiar with the characteristics of stainless steel as a material used to build fasteners. It’s important for you to gain even a basic understanding of how this material works so that you can then figure out how to take advantage of it in any project. It’s also a good idea to know of the different types of stainless steel that are available, and what their applications are.

Why is stainless steel so popular?

Over the past few years, the use of stainless steel has become more common. This is mainly due to the fact that it’s not only resistant to corrosion, but can also maintain its strength even when subjected to very high temperatures. Any material made from stainless steel is likely to last very long in most environments regardless of humidity levels or any other factors that might increase the risk of rusting, such as the presence of saline water. Some of the common industries in which stainless steel fasteners are used include architecture, automotive design and the design of electronics.

The types of stainless steel you are likely to come across

When you are buying stainless steel fasteners, it would be a idea for you to understand that there are many different subtypes available. Knowing about each will make it much easier for you to determine which one to use for a particular application. Some of the most common include:

Type 304: This is one of the most common types of stainless steel in the industry. In fact, more than half the stainless steel produced in the world is made of this type. Type 304 stainless steel is usually designed to withstand ordinary corrosion, and is designated as austenitic (contains chromium and nickel).

Type 316: Type 316 stainless steel is also austenitic. However, it contains an additional 2 to 3 percent of Molybdenum in addition to the chromium and nickel. This makes it much stronger compared to type 304 stainless steel. The addition of Molybdenum in the alloy also makes it a bit more expensive as well.

Type 409: This is technically known as a ferric type of stainless steel. It contains plain chromium and is well known for resisting very high temperatures. It also happens to have the lowest grade of chromium in all types of stainless steel, and is, for this reason, one of the cheapest you can find.

Type 410: This is martensitic stainless steel, which means that it contains plain chromium. This makes it particularly strong. It’s also cheap and heat treatable and is also non-corrosive. Due to all these features, it’s the most ideal type of steel used in heavy-duty settings.

Type 430: SS 430 Fasteners is also very commonly used. It’s ferritic stainless steel and has features of resistance against corrosion. It’s mostly used for decorative purposes.